2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

A Two-Day Sailing Adventure in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef is a fantastic choice if you’re after more than just a quick boat trip. For about $406.80 per person, you’ll spend two nights aboard an 82-foot sailboat, exploring some of Australia’s most iconic islands and reef locations near Airlie Beach. With a focus on authentic experiences, this tour offers a relaxed pace, ample snorkeling, and the chance to sleep below decks—an experience that can be surprisingly comfortable for first-timers.

What we particularly love about this trip are the included meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner—making it easy to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about packing or finding food. Plus, the variety of snorkeling spots like Luncheon Bay and Blue Pearl Bay promise chances to see vibrant marine life, which many travelers mention as a highlight.

However, a possible consideration is the group size—up to 27 travelers—which might lead to a more bustling environment than some prefer. Also, transportation to and from the dock isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange that separately.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a balance of adventure and relaxation, love snorkeling and beach visits, and are comfortable with communal sleeping arrangements and being on a boat for a couple of days.

Key Points

• Two-day exploration offers more time to enjoy and relax than typical one-day trips.
• All meals included makes the trip stress-free and convenient.
• Variety of snorkeling spots provide chances to see marine life and coral reefs.
• Whitehaven Beach is a highlight, with its silica sands and stunning scenery.
• Comfortable onboard experience with bunks and social atmosphere.
• Ideal for active travelers who appreciate genuine, immersive adventures.

A Deep Dive into the 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This trip is designed for travelers who want to slow down and soak up the beauty of the Whitsundays over two days. Traveling on an 82-foot sailboat means you’re in for a cozy yet adventurous experience, with the chance to help hoist sails or just relax on deck. The included meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are a real bonus; they save you the hassle of packing food and allow you to focus on marveling at the scenery.

The tour is recommended by 96% of travelers, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 718 reviews, indicating consistent satisfaction. Many reviews mention the crew’s attentiveness, especially names like Captain Alex and crew members Kayla and Kianna, who go above and beyond to make everyone comfortable.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Your journey begins at OzSailCoral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, with a start time of 10:30 am. From there, you’ll set sail toward some truly breathtaking spots: Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, Hayman Island, and Border Island, among others. These are not just pretty names—they’re places that create the perfect backdrop for island hopping and relaxing walks.

Whitehaven Beach often steals the show, with its signature silica sands that are soft, white, and cool underfoot. One reviewer describes it as “unreal,” emphasizing how its pristine beauty makes it worth the trip. Many guests also appreciate the chance to bury their feet in the sand and enjoy some leisure time.

Snorkeling is a core part of the experience, with stops at Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, and Blue Pearl Bay. According to reviews, the snorkeling here is exceptional, with the chance to see whales, dolphins, and turtles. One guest even mentions, “We were able to see whales, dolphins, and turtles” — a highlight for marine lovers.

All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided, making it easy to get in the water without extra hassle. The spots are chosen for their vibrant marine life and coral formations, perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Accommodation and Comfort

Sleeping below decks on a bunks-style berth might sound a bit rustic, but many travelers describe it as surprisingly comfortable and a fun communal experience. One guest shared, “It was fine,” despite initial apprehensions about sleeping in bunks or sitting on a flat sailboat. It’s clear that the crew works hard to make the onboard experience enjoyable, even for those used to more luxurious accommodations.

Food and Beverage

The trip shines in its culinary offerings. With all three meals included, you’ll enjoy delicious, well-prepared food while taking in panoramic views. Many reviews rave about the quality of the meals, describing them as “delicious” and “good,” often paired with the social, friendly atmosphere onboard.

However, drinks aren’t included, so if you want alcohol or soft drinks, you’ll need to bring your own. The tour is for travelers 18 and older if they wish to consume alcohol.

Group Atmosphere and Size

With a maximum of 27 travelers, the boat maintains a lively but manageable size, enabling camaraderie or privacy depending on your mood. Many reviews mention how friendly and sociable the crew and fellow travelers are, making the experience feel more like a shared adventure than a crowded tour.

Pricing and Value

At $406.80 per person, this trip offers solid value considering the inclusions—two nights of accommodation, all meals, snorkeling gear, and visits to top spots. The reviews confirm that many find it worth the price, especially given the quality of snorkeling and the stunning scenery.

Keep in mind that transportation to and from the dock isn’t included, so plan accordingly. Also, cancellations are possible with a 3-day notice, which is good to know if your plans are flexible.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity appeals most to travelers eager to explore the Whitsundays in depth, relax on beautiful beaches, and snorkel at multiple sites. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy social atmospheres, are comfortable sleeping on a boat, and appreciate good food and authentic experiences. It’s also ideal for families or groups who want to share memorable moments in a relaxed environment.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a combination of adventure, comfort, and value, this two-night sailing cruise offers a great way to see the best of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. The included meals, snorkeling, and the chance to stay on a sailboat make it a practical and immersive choice for travelers who don’t want to rush through the highlights.

This trip is perfect for those who seek a genuine, social, and scenic experience—whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time. The longer duration means more time to enjoy the beaches and reefs without feeling hurried, and the friendly crew makes the whole trip feel more like a shared adventure than a typical tour.

The only caveat is that it’s a somewhat communal experience, with shared bunks and group activities. If you’re comfortable with that, you’ll find this cruise both fun and rewarding. If you prefer luxury accommodations or private rooms, you might look elsewhere, but for authentic charm and a true sense of exploration, it’s a top choice.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers 2 nights of onboard accommodation, all taxes and fees (including Reef Tax and National Park fees), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and snorkeling equipment.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll need to bring your own if you want alcohol or soft drinks onboard.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 10:30 am from OzSailCoral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach.

Where does the tour end?
The tour ends back at the same meeting point where it started.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, all snorkeling equipment—including wetsuits—is provided on board.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for all weather conditions—think light layers, swimwear, and perhaps a hat and sunscreen. Wetsuits are available if you want to stay warm while snorkeling.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
Not necessarily, but comfort in the water is helpful. The snorkeling spots are suitable for most levels, and the crew is there to assist.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 3 days are not refundable.

This two-night sailing trip in the Whitsundays offers a deep and authentic taste of one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. With stunning beaches, vibrant reefs, friendly crew, and good food, it’s a fantastic choice for those ready to embrace a true adventure on the water.